Why Angel Reese Grabbed NBA 2K26 Cover Spot Over Caitlin Clark
The popular basketball video game NBA 2K has been revolutionizing its cover selection strategy over the years, moving away from the traditional single-athlete approach to embrace a more diverse and inclusive representation that better reflects the modern basketball landscape. Instead of choosing simply one cover athlete as they did in previous iterations, the franchise now typically features three different cover variants that showcase the full spectrum of basketball excellence: a current NBA superstar, a retired legend who has left an indelible mark on the sport, and a WNBA star who represents the growing prominence of women’s basketball in the global sports conversation.
This year’s selection perfectly exemplifies this strategic approach, with Oklahoma City Thunder’s dynamic guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander securing one of the coveted spots alongside Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, whose legendary career and cultural impact on the game made him an obvious choice for the retired legend category. However, it was the selection of Chicago Sky star Angel Reese for the WNBA cover that generated the most discussion and debate among basketball fans, gaming enthusiasts, and sports media outlets across the country.
Despite Reese’s impressive credentials as one of the league’s most dominant rebounders and a two-time All-Star who has consistently proven her worth on the court through exceptional performances and leadership qualities, many observers and fans were convinced that Iowa sensation Caitlin Clark was the more obvious and logical choice for the prestigious cover position. The expectation surrounding Clark’s potential selection was so strong that when Reese was announced instead, it created a significant buzz throughout the basketball community and sparked countless debates about the criteria and decision-making process behind such high-profile endorsements.
Zak Armitage, NBA 2K’s Senior Vice President who plays a crucial role in these strategic decisions, took the time to provide detailed insights and explanations about why Angel Reese was considered the clear-cut pick for this year’s WNBA cover spot. During a comprehensive conversation with journalist Marc Griffin, Armitage revealed the multifaceted reasoning behind the selection process and shed light on the company’s philosophy regarding cover athlete choices.
“Well, we’re never scared to start conversation,” Armitage explained with confidence during the interview, emphasizing that controversy and debate are not deterrents but rather welcome byproducts of their selection process. “That’s part of our game; it often provokes debate and conversation, and basketball is absolutely full of it – that’s what makes the sport so engaging and fun for everyone involved, from players to fans to media personalities.”
The NBA 2K franchise has consistently maintained extremely high standards and demonstrated remarkable selectivity when it comes to choosing their female cover athletes, establishing a prestigious tradition that only honors the absolute elite of women’s basketball. The company has built an impressive legacy by exclusively selecting players who have reached the pinnacle of their sport, creating a exclusive club of cover athletes that represents the very best the WNBA has to offer.
Looking at the illustrious list of previous female cover athletes reveals a pattern of excellence that speaks to NBA 2K’s commitment to honoring only the most accomplished players in women’s basketball history. Legendary figures like Candace Parker, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, A’Ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu all share common denominators that make them worthy of this recognition: they have all captured championship titles, earned multiple All-Star selections, and demonstrated sustained excellence throughout their careers before gracing the NBA 2K cover. With her selection for NBA 2K26, Angel Reese now joins this exclusive and prestigious group of elite athletes who have reached the highest levels of basketball achievement.
When examining the current landscape of women’s basketball popularity and fan engagement, it’s undeniable that Caitlin Clark may have a slight edge over Angel Reese in terms of overall popularity and mainstream media attention, particularly following her record-breaking college career and transition to professional basketball. However, from a pure production and performance standpoint, the statistics tell a different story that heavily favors Reese’s selection for the cover position.
Clark’s professional numbers have experienced a notable decline from her impressive rookie season performance across multiple statistical categories, suggesting potential challenges in adapting to the professional level or facing increased defensive attention from opponents. In stark contrast, Angel Reese has demonstrated massive improvement and growth in her game, showing the kind of upward trajectory and development that NBA 2K values when selecting their cover athletes.
Production statistics and on-court performance weren’t the only factors that influenced Armitage’s decision to move in Reese’s direction for this year’s cover selection. According to the longtime executive who has overseen numerous successful cover athlete campaigns, Reese’s unique personality traits, leadership qualities, and authentic approach to self-expression played an equally important role in the decision-making process.
“We’ve had a great relationship with Angel, and we absolutely love both her on-court performance and her off-court style and personality,” Armitage explained, highlighting the importance of the complete package that extends beyond just basketball skills. “She’s willing to provoke conversation and be audacious in her approach to the game and life, which aligns perfectly with our brand values and marketing strategy. This year, we’re genuinely excited to partner with her because it felt like the right time to showcase her talents and personality to our global gaming community.”